The family of late South African rapper, Kiernon ‘AKA’ Forbes has released a statement following his death. The rapper was shot dead by unknown gunmen.
It is understood that AKA was standing outside the Wish Restaurant when he was gunned down in a drive-by shooting. Two unknown cars are believed to have opened fire on the rapper.
In a statement dated 11th of February, his family confirmed his death and appealed for compassion, space and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days. They also appreciated the public for their love and support.
“It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of February 10, 2023. We are awaiting further details from the Durban Police.
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Most importantly father to his beloved daughter, Kaire. To many he was AKA, SUPAMEGA, BHOVA and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and he gave love in return. In this time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days.”
“We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far and ask you continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord”.
Forbes was born in 1988. In 2002, Forbes, alongside his two friends Vice Versa and Greyhound, formed a hip hop group called Entity.
The group received a nomination for a KORA Award in the Best African Hip Hop category. Entity disbanded in 2006 and Forbes went on to study sound engineering.
In 2006, Forbes co-founded the production collective The I.V League alongside two other members. The I.V League made production credits for several artists, including Khuli Chana, ProKid and JR. In 2009, he released three singles: “In My Walk”, “I Do”, and “Mistakes”.
Personal Life
Forbes began dating producer DJ Zinhle at the end of 2014. After receiving several South African Hip Hop Awards accolades, Zinhle hinted at their relationship by tweeting “Congratulations to my winner”. The couple have a daughter named Kairo Olwethu Forbes, born in 2015.
In August 2015, Forbes and Zinhle split after it was revealed that Forbes allegedly cheated on Zinhle with television presenter Bonang Matheba.
As Forbes and Matheba denied the allegations, they declared as they revealed their relationship in 2016. Forbes and Matheba broke up in December 2017.
However, Forbes and Zinhle got back together in late 2018, although later in 2019 they broke up again.
On 21 February 2021, Forbes posted a picture on Instagram announcing his engagement to girlfriend Nelli Tembe. On 11 April 2021, Tembe died after a fall from a hotel in Cape Town.
Following the death of Tembe, reports emerged that Forbes had been on drugs. He issued a public statement in response saying he would not be drawn into exposing their troubles as a couple to defend himself against “one-sided views”.
The rapper’s statement came in the wake of a News24 report, which claimed to have seen images where Forbes was seen using his hands to violently break down a wooden door to enter the bedroom in their apartment in Bryanston, Johannesburg, where Tembe was hiding.
The incident allegedly took place on 13 March 2021, almost a month before her death.